Helmut Marko Bets Big on Verstappen for Abu Dhabi Title Amidst 'Hunter' Role

Helmut Marko is confidently backing Max Verstappen to win the Formula 1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi, despite Verstappen currently trailing Lando Norris by 12 points. Marko's faith comes after a remarkable comeback for Verstappen, who was 104 points behind three months ago.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's internal confidence in Verstappen, particularly from a figure like Helmut Marko known for his shrewd F1 insights, signals a high-stakes finale. Verstappen's comeback from a significant points deficit underscores his and Red Bull's formidable resilience, setting the stage for a compelling championship showdown.

The Details:

• Championship Standings: Max Verstappen will start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 12 points behind McLaren's Lando Norris and four points ahead of Oscar Piastri.
• Remarkable Comeback: Three months ago at Zandvoort, Verstappen was 104 points adrift of the championship leader. He has since closed the gap significantly with a run of eight podiums, including five Grand Prix victories.
• Marko's Bet: Helmut Marko, known for his past bets on Verstappen, is fully backing the Dutchman for both the race win and the World Championship. He previously lost €500 to Christian Horner betting against Verstappen.
• 'Hunter' Mentality: Marko believes that the 'role of the hunter is more pleasant' for Verstappen, despite McLaren having two drivers in contention for the title compared to Red Bull's single contender, Max.
• Team Blunders: Marko acknowledges that Red Bull has made mistakes, such as setup issues in Hungary, but still considers it an 'incredible season' regardless of the outcome.
• 2021 Comparison: Marko notes that the energy and rivalry of the 2021 season, when Verstappen famously beat Lewis Hamilton on the final lap, was 'much more tense' and 'almost explosive' due to prior incidents like the Silverstone crash.

What's next:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will decide the F1 World Champion. While Norris needs a top-three finish to secure the title, Verstappen's momentum and the 'hunter' mentality, as highlighted by Marko, position him as a formidable challenger. The outcome will not only determine the 2024 champion but also cap off a season of unexpected twists and an impressive display of resilience from Verstappen and Red Bull.